Tan Lin moved the arm pierced through by chains. The chains clattered, sending a sharp pain through him.
He looked at the Female Emperor, his lips moving slightly as though he wanted to say something.
But in the end, all his words became an extremely soft, deeply complicated sigh.
"...Sigh."
There was helplessness in Tan Lin's sigh, understanding too, but not much anger.
More than anything, it was a kind of resignation... as if he had long expected this ending.
He did not struggle, roar, or question her.
He merely remained shackled in the Abyss, looking at the Female Emperor with an unfathomably complicated gaze.
It was as though, from two years ago—
From the moment the Female Emperor found Scarlet Glow River, sat silently in the Abyss, and laid down the grand formation, today's outcome had already been decided.
Before him, the Female Emperor quietly watched him for a moment.
Tap...
Then she stepped forward, stretched out her pale hand, and gently caressed his bloodstained cheek, pierced through by chains.
Her fingertips were cold and trembling slightly.
Her movements were light and gentle, as though she were touching a fragile treasure.
Yet her gaze was lonely and obsessive, carrying an unquestionable resolve.
"Master..."
She spoke softly, but her voice carried a morbid attachment and an irresistible force:
"From now on, you are not going anywhere. I want you alive—alive forever..."
At that point, she paused slightly before changing her words.
"When I wait for my brother to return one day, we will... attain immortality and become immortals together."
As she spoke, her fingers slowly slid across Tan Lin's cheek before stopping beneath his chin. She lifted it slightly, forcing him to meet her eyes.
Beneath the mask, black flames seemed to burn in the depths of her dim eyes.